Finding Breakthrough: Embracing God for True Happiness
Summary
In a heartfelt sermon, Lori Will Height shared her personal journey of seeking a deeper connection with God, emphasizing the importance of pursuing God and holiness over worldly significance. She spoke of finding true happiness through breakthroughs in joy, unity, peace, and understanding, and encouraged the congregation to seek their own breakthroughs. Lori urged the audience to leave the past behind, to silence negative voices, and to wait for God's guidance in their battles, assuring them of victory and breakthrough.
Lori also addressed the need for breakthroughs in various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and personal struggles. She used the biblical story of David as an example of seeking God's refuge in times of challenge and highlighted that everyone serves a God who is the Lord of the Breakthrough. Pastor Sean Jensen took a moment to express gratitude for veterans and to welcome newcomers, emphasizing the church's commitment to giving and community engagement.
Lori shared personal testimonies of her struggles with criticism and doubts about her role as a pastor's wife. She recounted how negative comments from others had once shaken her confidence, but an encounter with a friend reminded her of God's sovereignty and restored her faith in her calling. She also described a more recent battle with exhaustion and depression, finding solace in turning to the Lord and the scriptures.
The sermon concluded with a powerful call to action for those seeking to restore their relationship with Jesus. Lori invited individuals to pray a simple prayer of acceptance and gratitude, emphasizing that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross offers victory and restoration from the greatest storm of sin and death. She reassured the congregation that in Christ, they too could experience breakthrough and encouraged them to celebrate the decision to follow Jesus as a momentous occasion for both heaven and earth.
Key Takeaways:
- True happiness is found not in the pursuit of worldly significance but in dwelling with God and experiencing breakthroughs in joy, unity, peace, and understanding. It is essential to prioritize our relationship with God over our achievements or the busyness of serving Him. This shift in focus can lead to a more fulfilling and spiritually rich life.
- Breakthroughs in life require a conscious decision to leave the past behind and seek God's help. Like David, who sought refuge in God amidst his challenges, we too must recognize the pressures of life and turn to God as the Lord of the Breakthrough. It is through His strength that we can overcome the obstacles we face.
- The church is a community that thrives on generosity and connection. By welcoming newcomers and honoring those who serve, such as veterans, and by giving back through various means, the church embodies the spirit of giving that was first exemplified by God's gift of Jesus to humanity. This culture of generosity and community is vital to the church's mission.
- Personal testimonies of overcoming doubt and depression highlight the transformative power of God's word and presence in our lives. Lori's experiences remind us that even in our lowest points, turning to God and trusting in His sovereignty can lead to renewed confidence and hope. These stories serve as powerful examples of God's ability to bring light into our darkest moments.
- The decision to follow Jesus is a significant and joyous event that brings about spiritual breakthrough and restoration. It is a cause for celebration both on earth and in heaven. The church plays a supportive role in this journey, offering resources and encouragement to those who take this step of faith. This commitment to spiritual growth and community support is a cornerstone of the church's purpose.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Samuel 5:17-25 - The story of David seeking God's guidance and experiencing breakthrough against the Philistines.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David's initial reaction when he learned that the Philistines were mobilizing against him? ([47:28])
2. How did David seek God's guidance before going into battle? ([56:20])
3. What specific instructions did God give David for the second battle against the Philistines? ([58:29])
4. How did Lori Will Height describe her personal struggle with negative voices and how did she overcome them? ([55:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that David sought God's guidance even after a previous victory? What does this teach us about relying on God continuously? ([58:29])
2. How can the story of David's breakthrough against the Philistines be applied to personal struggles and seeking God's help in our lives? ([46:12])
3. Lori mentioned the importance of breaking up with the past to experience breakthroughs. How does this concept relate to David's story and our own lives? ([55:05])
4. What does Lori's testimony about overcoming criticism and depression reveal about the power of God's word and presence in our lives? ([55:05])
#### Application Questions
1. Lori emphasized the need to leave the past behind to experience breakthroughs. Is there a specific past hurt or negative voice you need to break up with to move forward? How can you start this process? ([55:05])
2. David sought God's guidance before each battle. How can you incorporate seeking God's guidance into your daily decisions and challenges? ([56:20])
3. Lori shared her struggle with exhaustion and depression and how turning to God helped her. Are you currently facing a similar struggle? What steps can you take to turn to God for help and healing? ([55:05])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of community and generosity. How can you contribute to building a supportive and generous community within your church? ([31:08])
5. Lori spoke about the joy and peace that come from dwelling with God rather than pursuing worldly significance. What practical changes can you make in your life to prioritize your relationship with God over other pursuits? ([46:12])
6. The decision to follow Jesus is a significant and joyous event. If you have recently made this decision, how can you celebrate and share this milestone with your community? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision? ([01:09:53])
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a breakthrough in your life. What role did your faith and relationship with God play in that experience? How can you use this testimony to encourage others in your small group? ([01:06:00])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy in Divine Pursuit
True happiness is found in the pursuit of God, not in the chase for worldly significance. By prioritizing a relationship with the Divine, one experiences profound joy, unity, peace, and understanding. This spiritual focus leads to a life that is rich with fulfillment and purpose. [07:40]
Psalm 63:1-3 - "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus this week to seek a deeper relationship with God rather than worldly achievements?
Day 2: Embracing God's Refuge
Leaving the past behind and seeking God's help is essential for breakthroughs in life. Like David, who sought God's refuge in times of trouble, recognizing life's pressures and turning to God as the Lord of the Breakthrough allows for overcoming life's obstacles through His strength. [07:40]
2 Samuel 22:2-3 - "He said: 'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me.'"
Reflection: What past experiences are you holding onto that prevent you from fully trusting in God's refuge and strength?
Day 3: Generosity as a Community Virtue
The church thrives on generosity and connection, embodying the spirit of giving exemplified by God's gift of Jesus. By welcoming newcomers, honoring service, and engaging in community, the church fosters a culture of generosity that is vital to its mission. [07:40]
Hebrews 13:16 - "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spirit of generosity in your community this week?
Day 4: Transformative Power of Faith
Personal testimonies reveal the transformative power of faith and God's word in overcoming doubt and depression. In moments of weakness, turning to God and trusting in His sovereignty can renew confidence and instill hope, bringing light into the darkest moments. [07:40]
Psalm 34:4-5 - "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when faith has transformed a difficult situation in your life, and how can you draw on that experience now?
Day 5: Celebrating Spiritual Breakthrough
The decision to follow Jesus is a momentous event that brings spiritual breakthrough and restoration, a cause for celebration in both heaven and earth. The church supports this journey, offering resources and encouragement for those taking this step of faith. [07:40]
Luke 15:10 - "Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Reflection: What does celebrating your spiritual breakthrough look like, and how can you share this joy with others?
Quotes
"Sometimes we can be tempted to look at someone else's position and crave it, want to be part of that, want to have that in our own lives, but we have no concept of the pressure that they have had to endure to be in that position." [48:12]
"When you step into your purpose, you get pressure. When you step into your anointing, attacks will come. The enemy will round up his army for battle to come against you, to keep you from making an impact, to keep you from making a difference, to keep you from reaching people for Jesus, to keep you from finding strength and freedom and joy and who he has created you to be." [48:53]
"David doesn't want to fight today's battle with yesterday's strategy, so he goes back to God again for direction." [58:29]
"When you chase God and you chase holy, then you actually find the happiness you've been looking for all along." [01:05:21]
"I had missed dwelling with God and what I needed more than anything else was a lot of time to dwell with Jesus and slowly but surely he started to bring the lights back on." [01:04:45]
"we serve a God who is the lord of the Breakthrough." [46:12]
"Before we move on we have to take a moment to really celebrate some special people who are here in person and online and that is our veterans we love our veterans at Veil church and so can we just give honor where honor is due man we just want to let you know we see you we've been praying for you we're thankful that you are here here and thank you for your sacrifice and your family sacrifice so we can do this freely it we don't take this for granted and we love you so much and we're grateful that you chose to be with us today here or online." [29:39]
"I was going to have to break up with the past break up with all that negativity break up with the insecurity break up with the fear break up with those old voices I was going to have to break up so that I could break through." [55:05]
"for those who are in Christ we have the same victory that Jesus had from that grave and we are restored with our Father in heaven we are restored forever more." [01:08:51]
"If they're partying in heaven you better believe we're throwing down here on Earth as well." [01:10:25]
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